Teen charged with animal cruelty after being filmed attempting force baby alligator to drink alcohol

A Florida teen who was caught on camera attempting to force a baby alligator to drink alcohol has been charged with animal cruelty following the illegal handling of a the creature, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 

The baby gator was found in a Tampa parking lot and suddenly became the plaything of two teenage boys who began picking it up and manhandling the reptile.

A fellow teen who was in her own car at the time witnessed the cruel treatment and told the boys to stop what they were doing, but they continued treating the alligator in a rough manner. 

In cellphone footage she shot directly in front of the pair, the gator could be seen being held by its neck before being dropped to the ground. 

The incident took place in a Tampa parking lot where two teenage boys found the baby alligator and began mistreating it, picking it up and handling it roughly 

The teens tried to get the gator’s snout to latch onto a can full of alcoholic iced tea

In another frame, the animal was seen having an aluminum can of alcoholic iced tea placed at its snout in an attempt to get it to consume some of the beverage.

The footage which depicted the pair ‘harassing and illegally handling a young alligator’, was sent to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission who has since pressed charges against one of the boys seen in the footage. 

The video was recorded by Lexxus Thomas, who witnessed the pair mistreating the creature. 

‘They were throwing it around, force-feeding it Twisted Teas. Basically tormenting the little thing,’ Thomas explained to WTSP. ‘The group were causing the alligator distress.

Lexxus Thomas, pictured, told the boys to stop but they continued their cruel treatment

Thomas passed the footage onto Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

The baby gator was found in a Tampa parking lot and suddenly became the plaything of two teenage boys who began picking it up and manhandling the reptile

‘We went up to them to say that it wasn’t funny but they laughed in our faces. My main goal was for the parents of the kids to see the video,’ Thomas explained. 

The FWC released a statement over he weekend, acknowledging the video and noting how an investigation had begun into the teens involved.

‘The lack of respect and responsibility displayed towards this animal was disheartening,’ said Major Rob Rowe. 

‘Our officer exhibited exceptional investigative skills and swiftly identified the individuals involved in this abusive and illegal behavior. We are committed to preserving Florida’s diverse wildlife, and this serves as a strong reminder of the consequences of such actions.’

Thomas said she was pleased that the FWC had taken it upon themselves to pursue charges in the hope others may think twice before abusing animals although she had hoped the entire group would face consequences rather than one individual.

The FWC advises against handling alligators, even if small, due to the dangerous nature of their bites.